Creating artwork from nature

Legacy Learning plans Willow Trellis program on April 8 and 9

March 24, 2014

An upcoming program at Legacy Learning Boone River Valley offers participants a chance to make garden artwork from found material in nature.

Ryk and Pam Weiss, of Ogden, will work with participants to make a willow trellis on April 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Conservation Building in Briggs Woods Park. Maureen Seamonds, of Webster City, said she has know Ryk and Pam for many years and enjoys the organic pieces they create.

"I really like the way they take a natural resource and change the way it looks to create something new," Seamonds said.

On the first day of the class, participants will be taught the fundamentals of construction and will identify and gather the willows at Briggs Woods Park. Seamonds said the timing of the workshop is ideal as working with willow is easier earlier in the year.

Participants will continue to gather willow on the second day and will be taught weaving techniques and how to add other objects to the trellis. Seamonds said Pam Weiss incorporates her work with ceramics into the workshop.

More information and registration is available on the new Legacy Learning Boone River Valley website, LegacyLearningBRV.org. Seamonds said she hopes that hosting instructors for programs such as this willow trellis class will encourage people from outside of the county to visit and boost the local economy.